A MAN from Sunbury-on-Thames has been given a 12-month community order after assaulting and racially abusing a traffic enforcement officer.

Alexander Stavrou, 36, of Park Road, received a fixed penalty notice after he parked his car in Hummer Road car park in Egham without paying in August last year.

When he came back to his car, he saw the penalty on his windscreen and began verbally abusing the Traffic Enforcement Officer, using "racially-charged and threatening" language.

It was reported that the victim was then punched in the head by Stavrou as he tried to leave the scene.

Members of the public witnessed the assault and the victim’s body worn camera also captured the incident, leading to the identification of Stavrou.

Surrey Comet:

Stavrou was sentenced at Staines’ Magistrates’ Court last Friday (4 June) after pleading guilty to various charges, including racially aggravated assault.

As well as a 12-month community order, Stavrou was also ordered to adhere to a 10 week 7am-7pm curfew and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

PC Elaine Garvanovic, who investigated the incident, said: “Nobody should have to tolerate being assaulted and abused at work, or in any scenario.

"I’d like to thank the victim who showed tremendous bravery throughout this incident.

“We worked closely with our partners at Runnymede Council to pursue this case and hold the offender accountable for his actions, and I hope that the result shows that racial abuse is not acceptable in our county.”